Depart Quito in the morning, fly to Francisco de Orellana (Coca), a 30 minute trip, transfer to the Napo River port. Board the motorized speed boat which will take approximately two hours. During the trip we will provide important information about the region. Once on board the MANATEE AMAZON EXPLORER, we go down the Napo River then in the afternoon, there is a canoe excursion to explore the Tiputini River inside the Yasuni National Park. At dusk, our first real live experience with the Ecuadorian Amazon basin will begin (night walk, visit to a native dwelling or canoe ride, depending on the river level, climatic conditions, wildlife behavior and accessibility to the location).

Day 2 - Tuesday: Visiting the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve and Yasuni National Park

Early in the morning, we will explore one of the most pristine rivers in the Ecuadorian Amazon, the Cocaya River. Here we will have the opportunity to observe exotic plants, colorful birds and unique wildlife that lives in the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve. This black water system is home to the legendary Pink River Dolphins, River Turtles, Black Caymans and the enigmatic Amazon Manatee. Sometimes, if we look at the vegetation on the shore, we may see the Red Howler Monkeys, black tamarins, squirrel monkeys, the Three-toed Sloth, the leaf-eating bird, locally known as Stinky Turkey (Hoatzin) and other wildlife. The canoe trip upstream will reveal the overwhelming beauty of this aquatic region.In the afternoon, in the heart of the Yasuni, we will visit one of the major black water lakes of the upper Amazon basin, the JatunCocha. Here there will be opportunities for walking, paddling and watching the giant otters, now an endangered species. The day is complete after viewing the amazing local flora and fauna. An unforgettable sight!

Day 3 - Wednesday: Kichwa Culture and Swamp Forest hike

This morning, we will visit one of the local indigenous community centers, specifically, one of the Kichwa Culture schools. We will have the opportunity to meet the local people and learn about their culture. We will meet the children, visit their native huts and gain an understanding about how these friendly people use the resources of this unique world and how they deal with the fragility of this ecosystem. In the afternoon, relax on board the Manatee and rest up for the next day. There is the opportunity to learn to cook Ecuadorian food in one of our cooking classes directed by our chef on board. There are also fibre handicraft classes, taught by locals and lectures given by the naturalist about the different aspects of the Amazon; such as culture, biodiversity, Amazon formation, oil and sustainability. We will also walk over a wooden pass through the Morete (moretefleuxisa palm) swamp, where we may see frogs and parrots.

Day 4 Thursday: Parrot Clay Lick or Water Museum and Limoncocha Biological Reserve

Breakfast will be served on board. After, we begin our excursion to the Parrot Clay licks, a great place to see a lot of bird species or, we can begin our excursion to the Yaku Kawsay or live underwater museum, inside the Yasuní National Park. This is an interesting project, from one of the Kichwa Communities, that shows the fauna that lives underwater in the Amazon rivers and lakes. Back on board our lunch is served and in the afternoon, we will visit the Limoncocha Biological Reserve, an incredible area of birds and monkeys. At night search for black cayman. Return to the MANATEE.

Day 5 Friday: Return to Quito

Return to Coca, after a two hour canoe trip upstream, then take the morning flight to Quito.